Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

10/13/2026

When your day begins with a rocket launch, you know Homecoming Week is off to a stellar start 🚀

I had the incredible opportunity to witness a NASA/Space X rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL. Thanks to the groundbreaking research and leadership of Dr. Byron Quinn, I was able to experience this remarkable moment firsthand.

This resupply mission to the International Space Station carries essential supplies and hardware, along with 1,307 lbs of scientific experiments aboard the Dragon Spacecraft. Among them is a human gene experiment led by Dr. Quinn and supported by NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). When the samples aboard Dragon return to Earth next month, Dr. Quinn and his team will continue their important research.

I am incredibly proud of Dr. Quinn and his research team, including every student and faculty member who has contributed to this project since its launch in 2016. You dedication, curiosity, and hard work continue to elevate Langston University on a national stage. A special thank you to NASA MUREP Manager Alicia Baturoni Cortez and NASA STEM Lead Dr. Vemitra White-Alexander for joining us today and for your continued partnership and support of this important research.

What a way to begin the week! The future is bright, and thanks to opportunities like this, our students and faculty are continuing to reach for the stars! Now, Homecoming Week is officially cleared for takeoff 🚀

10/07/2026

Yesterday, Langston University had the wonderful opportunity to renew and expand our partnership with A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Since 2015, LU has had a pipeline for undergraduate students interested in osteopathic health to earn their graduate degrees at ATSU as long as they meet all program requirements. With the knowledge and experiences they gain from both institutions, these students go on to be successful in their chosen health professions. By extending this partnership, we are making sure that door remains open for many more current and future students. I was pleased to sign the new MOU on behalf of Langston University with Chancellor Craig Phelps, and I look forward to the continued cooperation and collaboration of our institutions.

09/30/2026

Langston University was honored to worship with Prospect Baptist Church during their celebration of Oklahoma's HBCU on Sunday. The sea of opulent orange and brilliant blue proudly represented our alumni, students, and individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by Dear Langston. L's up!

09/20/2026

There’s just something special about football season, and our home opener did not disappoint! Congratulations to Coach Calvin Miller, his staff, and our Lions on the win over Texas College. I’m so proud of this team and excited about what’s ahead this season.

The crowd was full of students, alumni, friends, and plenty of Lion Pride! The Elite Connection looked amazing! The Marching Pride entertained the crowd with a wonderful halftime show, and our cheerleaders kept the energy going. We also introduced a new member of the Pride, our mascot, Leo Legend! I think he’s going to fit right in!

It was a pleasure to host Texas College President Sher Gibbs and Dr. Artimese Lawrence, SAC Commissioner John Martin, LU Foundation Board members Dr. Wayne Jones and Lovelle Leverette, and LU alum Darrell Brown.

It was great spending the evening with members of our Cabinet and my family. Thank you to the many people who made it an enjoyable game night experience. Times like this remind me how much I love being a part of this community.

We have a few more games to get through before we’re back in W.E. Anderson for Homecoming 2026. Until then, I’m looking forward to more football and more Lion Pride. Whether we’re at home or on the road, We Roar!

09/08/2026

Today I had the opportunity to join the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce for the annual State of the Schools luncheon, held at the Meridian Technology Center's south campus. I had the pleasure of updating our Logan County neighbors on the wonderful things we have going on at Langston University, from our Physical Therapy Clinic we plan to open this semester to our Science Research Institute's NASA research payload that will launch from Florida next month. This was my fourth year participating in the State of the Schools luncheon, and as the only 4-year university in Logan County, it's important to us to continue to foster and grow our relationships with the local businesses and community members throughout Logan County. We thank the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful event, and we look forward to continue working with the Guthrie and Logan County communities throughout this school year.

09/04/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our newest employees into the Pride! Following our formal Opening Convocation Ceremony, we gathered for a New Employee Reception that gave our newest colleagues a chance to experience the many facets of Dear Langston. The day included lunch in The Den of the Student Success Center, a tour of campus that featured our Agricultural Extension research labs and farms, and a closing reception in the SSC Private Dining Room.

I believe it's important for our employees to have opportunities to step outside their offices and see the incredible work happening across our campus. Our employees are some of LU's best ambassadors, and the more they know about the people, programs and opportunities that make this university special, the better they can share the Langston University story with others. I'm so pleased we were able to give our newest employees a taste of all that Dear Langston has to offer, including a little fresh honey! I'm looking forward to getting to know each of them better and to seeing all that we will accomplish together as we continue advancing Langston University's mission.

09/02/2026

Last fall, Langston University had the privilege of hosting Robert F. Smith in conversation with Mayor Monroe Nichols and Ken Levit at our LU-Tulsa Campus. The energy, insight and engagement from our students and community made a lasting impression. Months after that visit, I received a call offering Langston University 1,000 copies of Robert F. Smith's book, "Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Last Wednesday, we began distributing complementary copies to students, particularly our freshmen. Through this gift, students will explore Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Commnicty while strengthening the leadership skills needed to serve and transform their communities. This initiative extends far beyond the pages of a book. Throughout the academic year, Langston University will host conversations, programs and learning experiences that encourage students to reflect on and apply the principles of Lead Boldly in meaningful ways. Together, we are creating a shared learning experience that advances our mission of Education for Service.

We are deeply grateful to Robert F. Smith, Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, Kevin Johnson and the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) for making this opportunity possible. Their investment in HBCUs and future leaders will have a lasting impact on our students and our university community.

08/31/2026

On Friday, Langston University hosted our first Monthly Employee Birthday Celebration! It was such a pleasure to celebrate our colleagues with August birthdays, share a little cake and get to know one another beyond our day-to-day work.

I'm excited to continue this new tradition and, most importantly, to celebrate our Dear Langston family. Our people are what make LU special, and i'm grateful for every opportunity to build community together. Happy Birthday to all of our August birthdays! May this next year be filled with joy, blessings and wonderful moments! 🎂

08/07/2026

Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Langston University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program!

Your success is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. I extend my sincere appreciation to Dean Elicia Pollard, our dedicated faculty, and staff for their leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support of our students.

The Langston University family celebrates with you and looks forward to the impact you will make in your profession and communities.

MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
🔶🔹🥼🔸🔷
FOR 100% LICENSURE EXAM PASSAGE!!!!

We are the LIONS!🦁

04/21/2026

Today I was honored to have the opportunity to address the Oklahoma House Floor and the Oklahoma Senate Floor during our Second Annual LU Day at the Capitol. I got to share directly with our state legislators the incredible impact that Langston University––Oklahoma’s HBCU––has in the state of Oklahoma and in the world. From preparing Oklahoma’s workforce to producing high level research, LU lives out the land-grant mission every day.
Thank you to the more than 150 LU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the institution who joined us at the State Capitol today to advocate on behalf of Dear Langston. I am encouraged by the conversations we had today that will continue to keep LU’s presence strong in Oklahoma.